has anyone experienced panic attacks?

Question

my first panic attack was 11yrs ago, happened on my way to work in the train, up until now I get panic attacks and am too afraid to travel alone. Is it hereditery? My sister suffers from it and some women in our family have depression!

Answer 1

Yes, it can be hereditary. People who have anxiety, or depression often have both of them. I have had GAD (General Anxiety Disorder, and also depression) I have well over 16 years of experience with these conditions. I know how miserable it can be. Are you on meds? If not you should really consider getting some. They can improve your quality of life drastically. Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

Definitely hereditary. I've done the research. As with just about any mental illness it passes over from parents to children or maybe someone else on either of your parents sides had it. My NaNa and mother both suffered with them and now I do. I've been dealing with it since my teens but it got really severe during my mid 20's and then again last year. For me it comes and goes, it isn't constant and there are no specific triggers, it just 'comes out of the blue' as they say. I'll be great for a few weeks and then have a day where the panic attacks keep coming all day. I've never been diagnosed with depression though but it is linked, particularly manic or bipolar. I feel this is part of the cycle for people who suffer with this, they become overwhelmed and feel there is no relief so they become depressed. Thankfully I have a good psych whom has prescribed me something to take on an as needed basis. I am doing well with this med and taking it in this way. I had in the past tried many different SSRIs and buspar(anti-anxiety med) but they didn't really help. My psych says SSRI's are not meant for panic attacks, they are for depression, COD, bpd, etc. Panic is caused by a different type of chemical imbalance, not seritonin so these meds really don't help although they may benefit someone with mild generalized anxiety. You can see a psych for help. Good luck!

Answer 3

It is hereditery.
I've had them too and I actually had my first one about 8 years ago on the train too.
I havent had any in the past couple of years.
I also have depression in the family.
I dont get them anymore but I was a teenager when I would get them so its possible I grew out of them.
Someone once suggested that I hold my breath for a couple of seconds when having a panic attack to avoid that light headed feeling.
Thats all I can suggest besides professional help for this. I know its a terrible and frightening thing to live with.
I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 4

Hi there! Yes I do believe depression/anxiety disorders run in familes. I have suffered from panic disorder, depression and agorphobia for almost 10 years. I am now on Paxil and Klonipin. Although my medicine help's some it hasn't rid all of the panic attacks or the depression. It's something that we will all have tow ork hard on. We need to try to take over the panic instead of letting the panic take over us.

When you get these attcks try to make yourself take deep breaths, try drawing, writting or doing something to keep yourself busy. I know it is easier said then done.

I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 5

Sorry to say but there is no way to stop you thinking about the fear you had. The more you try not to think about it the more you are going to think about it (if you get what i mean). If you get this fear again just think that they do not last long.Try and sit in a comfortable position and breathe~think of good things to take your mind off of it. If you can't do that then concentrate on something or count, just anything to not think about it. Another thing the more you confront this fear the more it is going to get easier and the more the fear is going to disappear. I would also get a second opinion from that doctor what he said is crap. I hope you found this helpful. Just notice Rebecca said remove yourself from the situation NEVER do that because then your avoiding it. It is not going to help you in the long run if you avoid your fear. I have been a sufferer of panic attacks for 7years and because i avoided my anxiety at the beginning. It is a lot harder for me to cope with it now.

Answer 6

A lot of it may be inherited. A lot may be just because. I have suffered from anxiety & depression for over 15 years now. I was on a lot of medications for a while (10 yrs.), but they started changing me. One of the anti-depressants caused me to have a seizure. The anti-anxiety meds became so addictive. I needed more and more. I finally just stopped all together. The hardest thing I've ever done. I still suffer, and if I had the insurance, I would definitely try seeing a doctor again. This time letting them know up front I want nothing thats going to be insanely addictive. Good luck with you battle. Also, keep in mind, God is on your side. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Answer 7

Hi,
There is this guide by anxiety expert Joe Barry , he has taught thousands of people to be panic free without any medication using a revolutionary new technique, http://www.panicaway.co.nr , its really a great guide , it should help you get rid of panic attacks forever in a few days

Answer 8

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 9

Depression and panic attacks are linked.
I suffer from both, and sometimes find it difficult to leave the house.
You can get pills from the doctor, not just anti-depressants, that can help with anxiety.

Answer 10

Yes, I have, I have generalized anxiety disorder- I take remerone 30mg. nite & valium ( as needed)- But, ( & I've been on EVERY pill you could bring up!)Xanax is the ticket for panic attack's- but has the potential to be very addictive if taken too long, & buspar is soooo mild, would'nt help in a panic attack situation.